Jazz Flyte Podcast

What separates a great musician from a lasting legacy?

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I have the privilege of sitting down with Patrice Rushen for an inspiring conversation about excellence, preparation, and the lifelong pursuit of mastering your craft.

Patrice reflects on growing up in Los Angeles, discovering music at an early age, and how a community that valued education, discipline, and artistic excellence shaped her career. We discuss the influence of artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, the importance of developing real musicianship, and why success is built through consistency rather than shortcuts.

Our conversation also explores her work as a composer, producer, educator, and musical director for the NAACP Image Awards, the Primetime Emmy Awards, and the Grammy Awards. Patrice shares what it takes to lead world-class musicians, prepare major live productions under demanding deadlines, and build a career that spans decades.

We also talk about mentorship, why today's musicians should study those who came before them, and how finding your own artistic voice begins with mastering the fundamentals.

Whether you know Patrice Rushen from "Forget Me Nots," her film and television work, or her contributions to music education, this conversation is filled with timeless lessons on leadership, creativity, and building a career that lasts.

Connect with Patrice Rushen: https://patricerushen.com/

Catch Patrice Live in Cleveland: https://cainpark.com/event/the-legends-of-jazz-4-yellow-jackets-patrice-rushen-hiroshima/cain-park-evans-amphitheater/cleveland-heights-ohio/

What happens when music becomes more than entertainment? What happens when it becomes identity, culture, and a bridge between communities?

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I welcome Dan Kuramoto and June Kuramoto of Hiroshima for a conversation about the band's extraordinary journey and the lasting impact of their music.

We discuss how Hiroshima emerged during a time when Asian American artists had few opportunities in the music industry and why they refused to compromise their identity, even when record labels suggested changing the band's name. Dan shares how the group was deeply influenced by social justice, multiculturalism, and the belief that music could bring people together.

June reflects on immigrating from Japan as a young child, discovering the beauty of the koto, and finding the courage to introduce the traditional Japanese instrument into contemporary jazz despite criticism from both cultures. Together, they explain how blending Eastern traditions with American jazz, funk, and R&B created the signature Hiroshima sound that audiences have embraced for more than four decades.

This conversation is about perseverance, purpose, and proving that authenticity will always outlast trends. Hiroshima didn't simply create a unique style of music. They created a legacy built on culture, community, and the courage to stay true to who they are.

Connect with Hiroshima: https://www.hiroshimamusic.com/

Catch Them Live in Cleveland: https://cainpark.com/event/the-legends-of-jazz-4-yellow-jackets-patrice-rushen-hiroshima/cain-park-evans-amphitheater/cleveland-heights-ohio/

Some artists create timeless songs. Others create timeless collaborations. George Benson has done both.

On this special edition of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I celebrate the extraordinary career of George Benson by highlighting a collection of memorable duets that showcase the depth and versatility of one of jazz's most influential artists.

Rather than focusing on his biggest solo hits, I revisit some of Benson's collaborations with musical legends including Joe Sample, Chaka Khan, Al Jarreau, Earl Klugh, Aretha Franklin, and Patti Austin. Together, these performances reveal another side of George Benson's artistry as a guitarist, vocalist, and collaborator.

If you've only heard George Benson's chart-topping classics, this episode offers a chance to rediscover the music that helped shape his remarkable legacy.

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with saxophonist, keyboardist, composer, and recording artist D.S. Wilson for a conversation about second chances, musical reinvention, and what it means to fully commit to your calling.

D.S. shares how his musical journey began with piano lessons as a child before discovering the saxophone and eventually spending years performing in rock bands and church music. After stepping away from his jazz ambitions for a time, he found himself drawn back to the music and decided to pursue the dream with renewed purpose.

We talk about the unexpected opportunities that came from attending the Dave Koz Cruise, where conversations with artists and producers helped launch new creative partnerships and opened doors throughout the smooth jazz world. D.S. explains how those relationships led to collaborations with respected musicians and producers while helping him develop his own voice as an artist.

We also discuss the realities of being an independent musician today. From songwriting and recording to social media, marketing, booking performances, and building an audience, D.S. shares what it takes to balance creativity with entrepreneurship.

Most importantly, this conversation is about purpose. It's about refusing to let age, timing, or circumstance stop you from pursuing what matters most. D.S. Wilson proves that sometimes the dream isn't over. Sometimes it's just getting started.

Connect with D.S. Wilson: https://www.dswilsonmusic.com/

Some opportunities change the course of your life forever. For drummer Reggie Jackson, one phone call did exactly that.

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed drummer Reggie Jackson to discuss his journey from playing in church and local jazz bands in Columbus, Ohio, to spending more than two decades touring and recording with legendary vocalist Diane Schuur.

Reggie shares how a high school jazz teacher introduced him to jazz through a local radio station, opening the door to a lifelong passion for the music. We talk about his early years performing with some of Columbus' most respected musicians, recording with Kim Pensyl, and eventually receiving the career-changing call that led him to Diane Schuur's band.

We also dive into his experiences touring with the legendary Dr. John, including unforgettable stories from the road and lessons learned from one of music's most unique storytellers. Reggie offers a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of professional musicianship, the importance of preparation, and why jam sessions often teach lessons that classrooms cannot.

If you've ever wondered what life is really like for a professional touring musician, or what it takes to stay ready when opportunity arrives, this conversation delivers valuable insight and inspiration.

Connect with Reggie: https://www.facebook.com/reggie.jackson.5602/

Most people associate the violin with classical music. Karen Briggs changed that perception one note at a time.

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with world-renowned violinist Karen Briggs to explore the extraordinary path that took her from a junior high school orchestra program in Virginia to stages across more than 50 countries around the world.

Karen shares how an inspiring music teacher opened the door to the violin and why she quickly realized her musical voice lived beyond the traditional boundaries of classical performance. Growing up surrounded by jazz, R&B, fusion, and soul music, she developed a style that brought emotion, energy, and authenticity to an instrument many people only associated with orchestras and concert halls.

We talk about her early experiences performing jazz, competing internationally, and discovering that music is ultimately a cultural expression. Karen reflects on the moment she decided to embrace her own artistic identity rather than trying to fit into someone else's definition of success.

The conversation also explores her career-defining opportunities with Soul II Soul, Patrice Rushen, Yanni, Diana Ross, and countless other artists who recognized the unique voice she brought to the violin. Along the way, she shares stories of perseverance, unexpected opportunities, and why she continues to say yes whenever the music calls.

We also discuss her powerful composition A Survivor's Theme, inspired by the global pandemic and the resilience of people around the world. The piece became one of her most impactful releases and serves as a reminder of music's ability to heal, inspire, and connect us during difficult times.
This conversation is about more than music. It's about purpose, courage, cultural identity, and trusting the gifts you've been given.

Connect with Karen: https://www.karenbriggsviolin.com/

What happens when a Cleveland native, poet, drummer, and arts leader is handed the keys to one of the most respected jazz festivals in the country?

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with Orlando Watson, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, for a conversation about music, community, leadership, and coming home.

Orlando shares his journey from growing up in Cleveland to working behind the scenes at the Youngstown Jazz Festival, helping lead the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, and ultimately returning to Northeast Ohio to take the helm of the Tri-C JazzFest.

We talk about his vision for the festival, why it's important to spotlight artists with Ohio roots, and how Cleveland continues to produce world-class musicians who leave their mark around the globe.

We also preview the 2026 Tri-C JazzFest lineup, including Sheila E., Spyro Gyra, Kurt Elling, Ron Carter, Ohio Players, Dominic Farinacci, John Thomas, Lauren Talese, Chris Dave and The Drumhedz, MonoNeon, and many more. Orlando explains how this year's programming celebrates jazz while embracing funk, soul, Latin influences, and the broader legacy of Black American music.

Perhaps most importantly, Orlando discusses his commitment to making the festival more accessible to the community through free outdoor performances and creating opportunities for audiences to experience nationally recognized artists right here in Cleveland.

If you love jazz, live music, Cleveland culture, or want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce a world-class festival, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Purchase Tickets to the Jazz Festival: https://www.tri-c.edu/jazzfest/

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with Nils to talk about his journey from Germany to becoming one of the most recognizable names in contemporary jazz.

Nils shares how growing up on rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple eventually led him toward funk, fusion, and artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, Larry Carlton, and Steps Ahead.

We talk about the success of “Pacific Coast Highway,” how his sound evolved over the years, and why understanding what audiences connect with changed the way he approaches writing and producing music.

Nils also opens up about the realities of today’s music business, including touring, producing for other artists, teaching, streaming, social media, and why modern musicians must think like entrepreneurs.

We also discuss his approach to covering classic songs like “That’s the Way of the World,” the challenge of honoring legendary music while still making it your own, and what continues to inspire him creatively after all these years.

This conversation is honest, insightful, and a real look behind the curtain at what it takes to build longevity in contemporary jazz.

Connect with Nils: https://www.nilsmusic.com/

Some musicians spend their entire lives chasing balance.

Others somehow learn how to live inside the chaos and still create beautiful music.

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with George Franklin of GTF for a conversation about music, discipline, creativity, and what it really takes to sustain a lifelong passion while managing a completely different full time career.

George shares the story behind GTF, the meaning behind the name, and how he and his wife Tracy built a collaborative musical project that stretches across the country with musicians recording remotely from different cities.

We talk about how technology changed the recording process, the challenges of creating energy while recording remotely, and why nothing quite replaces the feeling of musicians feeding off each other in the same room.

George also opens up about growing up in Los Angeles, being inspired by legendary musicians like Gerald Albright and Gary Bias, and how hearing live saxophone performances in church changed the direction of his life forever.

We discuss balancing music with a demanding 37-year career at Kaiser Permanente while still performing over 100 live shows a year. George talks honestly about the pressure of juggling multiple careers, commuting for hours, performing at night, and somehow still finding the energy to create music that connects with people.

This episode is about more than jazz.

It is about commitment.

It is about learning how to create space for your passion even when life feels overloaded.
And it is about understanding that sometimes the people who inspire us the most are the ones quietly doing the work behind the scenes while never giving up on what they love.

Connect with GTF: https://www.gtfjazz.com/index.html

What does it really take to build something that lasts?

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with Bob Mintzer and Russ Ferrante of Yellowjackets, a band that has remained relevant, creative, and respected for over four decades.
This is not just a conversation about music. This is a conversation about commitment.

We talk about what it means to be part of a true collective, where there is no single leader, and every member contributes to the sound, the direction, and the identity of the band. They share how they’ve managed to evolve through different eras, different players, and different musical landscapes without ever losing who they are.

Bob opens up about stepping into an already established group and learning what he calls the “secret code” of Yellowjackets, while Russ shares how trust, respect, and openness to each musician’s strengths has kept the band fresh and alive through every transition.

We also talk about the real work behind the music. Letting go of ego. Allowing songs to transform once they become “band property.” Understanding that the whole is always more important than any individual part.

There’s a deeper lesson here that goes beyond jazz.

This is about relationships. About longevity. About knowing when to lead and when to listen.
We get into how their sound has evolved over time, why they are not interested in chasing trends, and how their focus on discovery continues to drive their creativity forward.

And if you’ve ever wondered what keeps a band together for over 40 years, this conversation gives you the answer.

Connect with the Yellowjackets: https://www.yellowjackets.com/